Minnesota Ag Department Workshop Shares Berry-Growing Tips

"Getting Started in Organic Berry Production" is the title of an upcoming workshop and field day in the area. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture invites the public to this free event on Sunday, June 26, from 2-4PM at hill Berry Farm near Northfield.

The day will focus on getting started in organic berry production with an emphasis on blueberries. You'll learn about site selection, soil preparation and weed control, variety types, budgeting and more.

Aaron and Molly McGovern Wills started the Little Hill Berry Farm five years ago and they grow four acres of certified organic blueberries. They also grow elderberries, black and red currants, aronia, saskatoons, honeyberries and dwarf sour cherries. I need to look up aronia and saskatoons and find out what they are. I've never heard of them.

You can preregister by calling (612) 578-4497.

Directions to the field day: Take Highway 3 north out of Northfield about 2 miles. Turn left on 320th Street West. The farm is about a half-mile down the road on the north side.

If you've got a bit of acreage and are wondering what to do with it, you may want to check this out.